How Many Work Teams Do Landscaping Companies Need?
Many landscaping companies make the mistake of overloading a maintenance crew, while others have discovered that, even on large properties, small teams are usually the most effective. There are exceptions to the rule, such as working in sprawling condominium communities. Still, in such cases, a two- or three-person crew can be effective when everyone understands their role and believes in the small-team concept.
On a smaller crew, when one person is mowing, another is trimming, and one is edging and blowing, it's easy to identify the source when a task isn't completed on time. You can easily spot the failure by looking at the allotted workers-hours used when bidding on the job. Remember that it is not always the employee's fault; however, the problem is quickly identified, allowing you to resolve it.
Another option is to have a two-person crew service a significant task for two to three days. It could be less expensive than having a five-person crew spend one long day there. Because of the increased personal accountability, the smaller staff will most likely be more efficient and complete the job in less time. However, you should hold a team meeting and explain your new approach to crew sizing, including how it will benefit your employees, such as increased job security and the opportunity to earn more money.
